Q&A: Avril Lavigne celebrating pop-punk glory days (and more) in Greatest Hits tour
Pop-punk music is still going strong, and look no further than Avril Lavigne’s Greatest Hits tour for proof.
The Canadian singer, who broke out as a teenager in 2002 with songs like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi,” sold out New York’s Madison Square Garden last month, with the tour making a stop on June 26 at the Pavilion at Star Lake.
“Yes, it is 100% alive on my tour with We The Kings and Simple Plan opening,” Lavigne said. “During my set, however, you won’t only find those pop-punk classics like ‘Sk8er Boi’ and my new song ‘Young & Dumb,’ but I also make sure the whole set has a range of genres from my more slowed-down ballads like ‘I’m With You’ and a whole new acoustic section which I change up to include a new song from ‘Let Go’ every couple shows. It has been great to play some of these tracks which I haven’t played for 15 years.”
Lavigne released her “Greatest Hits” album last year, as well as a new single, “Young & Dumb,” last month with Simple Plan, who toured with Lavigne on her first arena tour back in 2003.
In an email interview from the road, Lavigne discussed the multi-generational crowds, “Greatest Hits” song choices, her drumming and more:
Has it been gratifying to see the different generations, the mothers and daughters, in the audience?
It is so much fun! I love seeing the kids in the crowd with signs that say, “You were my mom’s first concert, and now you’re mine.” I think it’s special to experience music as a family, and I love seeing that in my audience.
I know you just released a new song with your friends and tour mates Simple Plan, but has all this performing sparked any new music or a desire to make more?
This new song, “Young & Dumb,” was special because we wanted to capture that feeling of our first tour together and celebrate it 20 years later on this tour. The boys jump up onstage with me every night to perform and we bring a bunch of fans up. We have spent two years celebrating the Greatest Hits tour, and I am excited for what’s next.
When you were compiling your greatest hits album, were there any hard choices on what to select for the final track list?
There were so many that I think didn’t make it, and I know there was some discourse amongst those long-time listeners about what should be included, but my goal with this was to represent all seven albums and make sure to include a hit no matter when someone started listening.
Have you found that the topics you were writing about in your 20s still resonate now?
Yes, I still feel like they resonate with me and the audience. When I am writing I am writing about lived experiences and topics which people can relate to at any age, which is what makes these songs resonate even 20+ years later.
Has life gotten more or less “Complicated” for you as you’ve gotten older? Or are the complications just of a different variety?
Yes and no – ha! I have hit a point where I try to make things more simple and I like to be present in my current moment. I have learned to be grateful for all the things in my daily life and not overthink the small things. As we go through life we hit challenges, the seasons change, and how complicated things are will eb and flow. I’m really grateful to have overcome a lot and eternally thankful for everything I have accomplished.
What did you enjoy most from recent collaborations with Simple Plan (“Young & Dumb”), Billy Idol (“77”) and All Time Low (“Fake as Hell”)?
What I enjoyed most was getting to work with old and new friends. I toured with Simple Plan on my first tour in 2003 and then I also did many shows and got to know the All Time Low guys, so it made sense to work with both groups because being in the studio with them didn’t feel like work. Then with Billy Idol, wow what a legend, it was really amazing to put out this song with him and he is so great to be around. It was a great way to kick off the year!
It looks like you played drums on “Love Sux” recently in Halifax — how would you rate yourself as a drummer?
I love jumping up on the drums as a way to change things up! Would I hire me full time, no, but I have spent enough time in the studio with (Blink-182’s) Travis (Barker) to pick up a few things.
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You made your Warped Tour debut in June – do you feel like it’s long overdue?
I think it is the right time. With the tour celebrating its 30 years as a festival and me on my Greatest Hits Tour, it was really great that it lines up to celebrate such a long history for the both of us.
Do you have any favorite Pittsburgh memories?
The last time I played in Pittsburgh was in 2019, during the final week of my Head Above Water tour. That tour was super special, especially during that last week as it was coming to a close I really cherished those last couple shows. I am so happy to be back here in 2025, and I need someone to tell me the best place to get after-show food!
Mike Palm is a TribLive digital producer who also writes music reviews and features. A Westmoreland County native, he joined the Trib in 2001, where he spent years on the sports copy desk, including serving as night sports editor. He has been with the multimedia staff since 2013. He can be reached at mpalm@triblive.com.
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